Radiation Therapists

Provide radiation therapy to patients as prescribed by a radiologist according to established practices and standards. Duties may include reviewing prescription and diagnosis; acting as liaison with physician and supportive care personnel; preparing equipment, such as immobilization, treatment, and protection devices; and maintaining records, reports, and files. May assist in dosimetry procedures and tumor localization.

Job Task

• Administer prescribed doses of radiation to specific body parts, using radiation therapy equipment according to established practices and standards.
• Assist in the preparation of sealed radioactive materials, such as cobalt, radium, cesium and isotopes, for use in radiation treatments.
• Provide assistance to other health-care personnel during dosimetry procedures and tumor localization.
• Train and supervise student or subordinate radiotherapy technologists.
• Calculate actual treatment dosages delivered during each session.
• Check radiation therapy equipment to ensure proper operation.
• Conduct most treatment sessions independently, in accordance with the long-term treatment plan and under the general direction of the patient's physician.
• Enter data into computer and set controls to operate and adjust equipment and regulate dosage.
• Follow principles of radiation protection for patient, self, and others.
• Help physicians, radiation oncologists and clinical physicists to prepare physical and technical aspects of radiation treatment plans, using information about patient condition and anatomy.
• Maintain records, reports and files as required, including such information as radiation dosages, equipment settings and patients' reactions.
• Observe and reassure patients during treatment and report unusual reactions to physician or turn equipment off if unexpected adverse reactions occur.
• Prepare and construct equipment, such as immobilization, treatment, and protection devices.
• Position patients for treatment with accuracy according to prescription.
• Review prescription, diagnosis, patient chart, and identification.
• Store, sterilize, or prepare the special applicators containing the radioactive substance implanted by the physician.
• Act as liaison with physicist and supportive care personnel.
• Check for side effects such as skin irritation, nausea and hair loss to assess patients' reaction to treatment.
• Educate, prepare and reassure patients and their families by answering questions, providing physical assistance, and reinforcing physicians' advice regarding treatment reactions and post-treatment care.
• Implement appropriate follow-up care plans.
• Photograph treated area of patient and process film.

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